Jorhat, July 11: The Golaghat district administration has formed a special squad to prevent use of plastic carry bags and other plastic items in the district.

The 15-member squad, headed by a sub-divisional officer, will comprise officials from the district administration, police, municipal ward members and representatives from NGOs.

Golaghat deputy commissioner Sanjib Gohain Baruah told The Telegraph today over phone that though there was a ban on the use of plastic issued by the district administration and by the municipal body, a new thrust was needed to give a boost to the campaign.

He said the role of the squad would be more about educating the public than imposing penalty for violation.

Baruah said the squad would also carry out drives across the district to check drug abuse, enforcement of no-smoking zones in government and public offices and restrictions imposed on sale of tobacco and other products.

He said a procession involving local people, government officials, students, members of NGOs was taken out today through the main thoroughfares of the town to launch the campaign.

The deputy commissioner said the public address system installed in different places in the district would broadcast anti-plastic, anti-tobacco and anti-drugs messages and appeals from time to time everyday, to create awareness among the public.

The use of plastics in Bokakhat sub-division of the district had reduced to a great extent after the ban imposed several years ago and through a mass campaign carried out with the help of NGOs.